Damp Proofing the North East – Protect Your Home or Business

Northern Remedials is a leading damp proofing specialist serving the North East and surrounding areas. We provide professional damp proofing services for both residential homes and commercial properties, protecting buildings from moisture damage and damp-related issues. With our formal, experienced approach, we have become a trusted choice for damp proofing in the North East.

With over 32 years in business, our team are true rising damp specialists and experts in all forms of damp control. We accurately diagnose damp problems – whether it’s rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation issues – and implement effective, long-lasting solutions. Our credentials as a Which? Trusted Trader and other industry accreditations reflect our commitment to quality and trustworthiness. To help you get started, we offer no-obligation quotations in the North East, giving homeowners and commercial property managers expert advice on the best course of action.

What Is Damp Proofing?

Damp proofing is the process of preventing moisture from passing through the walls or floors of a building into its interior. In practice, damp proofing involves creating a barrier in the building’s structure – for example, installing a damp-proof course (DPC) or membrane within walls – to block moisture rising from the ground or seeping in from outside. Proper damp proofing is essential in keeping indoor spaces dry and structurally sound. Without it, water can infiltrate masonry and timber, leading to problems like mold growth, wood rot, peeling paint or wallpaper, and even structural damage over time. In modern construction, damp proofing is a standard requirement, but many older buildings in the North East (and across the UK) either were built without effective damp-proof courses or have deteriorated damp protection, making them vulnerable to moisture ingress.

By ensuring a building is adequately damp-proofed, you protect the property’s integrity and the health of its occupants. A dry building is warmer (since wet walls lose heat faster) and healthier to live or work in. Northern Remedials specializes in assessing the damp proofing needs of your property and applying the correct solutions to keep moisture at bay.

Common Damp Problems in Buildings

Properties in the North East can suffer from various forms of damp. The three most common types of damp issues are:

• Rising Damp: Rising damp occurs when ground moisture travels up through walls by capillary action. It typically affects walls on the ground floor. You might notice a “tide mark” of dampness or salt deposits on interior plaster up to about a metre high, peeling paint or wallpaper, and crumbling plaster. Rising damp is unsightly and unhealthy, as it introduces moisture and salts that can cause plaster to deteriorate and timbers (like skirting boards or floor joists) to decay. If left untreated, rising damp can compromise structural wood and create conducive conditions for mold. Our specialists accurately identify rising damp and can install modern chemical DPC injections or membranes to stop the moisture rising.

• Penetrating Damp (Rain Ingress): Penetrating damp is caused by water seeping horizontally through walls or roofs from the outside. This often happens due to defects in the building exterior – for example, cracked masonry, porous bricks, faulty guttering, leaking roofs, or damaged pointing. Penetrating damp can occur at any level of a building (not just ground level) and usually manifests as localized damp patches on walls or ceilings that darken or grow after rain. Over time, these damp areas can lead to damaged plaster, dripping internal leaks, and rot in any wooden components they touch. Our team will trace the source of any penetrating damp – whether it’s a leaky roof, chimney, or wall – and perform the necessary repairs and waterproofing to keep your property dry.

• Condensation: Condensation is a very common damp issue, especially in colder climates like the the North East. It happens when warm, moisture-laden air inside the building hits cold surfaces (such as walls or windows) and water droplets form. Over time, persistent condensation leads to streaming windows, damp spots on walls, and often black mold growth on walls, ceilings, or around window frames. Unlike rising or penetrating damp which come from external water sources, condensation is an internal moisture problem typically caused by inadequate ventilation or insulation. While it doesn’t directly stem from structural faults, it can still cause serious harm to interior surfaces and even wooden elements through mold and mild rot. Northern Remedials can help alleviate condensation problems by improving ventilation (installing vents or positive input ventilation systems), recommending insulation improvements, or applying anti-condensation coatings – creating a healthier indoor environment free of persistent moisture and mold.

Each type of damp problem has distinct causes and signs, but all can damage your property if not addressed. Identifying the correct cause of damp is crucial – what appears to be rising damp might actually be condensation or vice versa. Our experienced surveyors will determine exactly what type of damp issue you have and tailor the treatment accordingly.

Damp Proofing Solutions for Homes & Businesses

Residential Damp Proofing: For homeowners in the North East, damp issues can be distressing – no one wants wet patches on walls, a musty smell, or mold in their living space. Northern Remedials provides damp proofing solutions that preserve your home’s comfort, safety, and value. Whether you live in a modern house or a historic property, we can install or repair damp-proof courses, apply specialist plasters and sealants, and ensure your walls and floors remain dry. Our team works with minimal disruption to your household, taking care to protect your furnishings and clean up thoroughly after treatment. From treating a single damp wall in a living room to fully waterproofing a Victorian terrace with chronic moisture problems, we have you covered.

Commercial Damp Proofing: We also offer expert damp proofing for commercial and public buildings in the North East – such as offices, schools, restaurants, retail units, and industrial facilities. Damp problems in a commercial property can risk business operations, damage inventory or equipment, and create health and safety issues for employees and customers. Our technicians are experienced in working on larger-scale projects and heritage buildings, and can coordinate work to fit your schedule (for instance, after-hours or in segments) to minimize downtime. We ensure all damp proofing treatments in commercial settings meet relevant building standards and provide long-term protection. Whether your business is dealing with a damp basement archive, water ingress through an external wall, or widespread condensation in a block of flats, we will design a solution tailored to your needs.

By catering to both residential and commercial clients, Northern Remedials can tackle any damp issue, big or small. We understand the unique challenges in both home environments and commercial premises, and we bring the same level of professionalism and expertise to every project. Our damp proofing services encompass everything from initial diagnosis and preparation (such as stripping out failed plaster) to the installation of physical or chemical damp-proof barriers and final re-plastering or decoration repair. The result is a dry, healthy environment and peace of mind for you as the property owner.

Why Choose Northern Remedials for Damp Proofing?

Choosing the right team to resolve your damp problem is vital. Northern Remedials has built a strong reputation across the North East for reliability and quality. Here are some key reasons to trust us with your damp proofing needs:

• Decades of Experience: With over three decades in the industry, we have an unparalleled depth of knowledge in diagnosing and treating damp. Our long track record means we’ve seen every type of damp problem and know the most effective remedies.

• Qualified & Accredited: We are a fully qualified team and proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader, which signifies our commitment to high standards and customer satisfaction. Our staff are trained to industry standards (CSCS certified, CHAS accredited for health and safety, etc.), so you can be confident that work will be carried out professionally and safely.

• Insurance-Backed Guarantees: All our damp proofing work comes with robust guarantees, including insurance-backed warranties for many treatments. This gives you peace of mind that if any issue ever arose with our work, you’re fully covered. We stand by the quality of our materials and workmanship.

• Surveys & Honest Advice: We offer no-obligation damp surveys to assess the problems in your property. Our surveyors will provide an honest diagnosis and explain your options in plain terms. If your issue turns out not to be serious or can be resolved with simple changes (for example, improving ventilation for minor condensation), we will tell you – we never oversell unnecessary work. Our goal is to find the right solution for you.

• Comprehensive Service: Northern Remedials is a one-stop solution for damp and associated repairs. We don’t just inject a damp-proof course and leave – we also take care of related needs like replacing damaged plaster, treating any affected timber for rot or woodworm, and fixing external defects causing water ingress. This comprehensive approach saves you the hassle of hiring multiple contractors and ensures the damp problem is truly solved at its root.

• Local Expertise & Trustworthiness: As a local the North East company, we understand the specific construction styles and common moisture issues in the North East and surrounding areas. Our team is friendly, punctual, and respectful of your property. We have countless satisfied customers across the region – a testament to our trustworthy service. When you choose Northern Remedials, you’re choosing a reputable local partner who genuinely cares about protecting your building.

Damp Surveys and Remedial Advice

If you suspect a damp problem in your home or business, the first step is a professional inspection. Northern Remedials provides damp surveys in the North East. One of our experienced surveyors will visit your property at a time convenient for you, conduct a thorough assessment using moisture meters and expert observation, and identify the source and extent of any dampness. You will then receive a clear report or explanation of our findings, along with a recommended plan to fix the issues.

Because damp can sometimes be complex – for instance, you might have a combination of condensation and penetrating damp – a correct diagnosis is crucial. Our specialists will pinpoint whether your damp is due to a failed damp-course, plumbing leak, high external ground levels, poor ventilation, or any other cause. With this information, we formulate a tailored remedy. We’ll answer all your questions and ensure you understand the proposed solution. This survey and consultation comes with no obligation. We simply want to empower you with knowledge and a plan to protect your property. Should you decide to proceed with us, we will schedule the work at your convenience and provide a competitive, transparent quote with no hidden costs.

Serving the North East

Based in the North East, Northern Remedials is proud to serve not only the North East but also the surrounding areas and wider region. We operate throughout Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Teesside, Northumberland, and beyond. Whether you have a townhouse in the North East, a cottage in County Durham, or a commercial building in Newcastle or Gateshead, our team can quickly reach you and provide expert damp proofing services.

Our local presence means we are familiar with the North East’s climate – heavy rain, sea winds, and chilly winters – and how it can impact buildings. We’ve worked on properties along the coast and inland, new builds and centuries-old structures. This regional expertise helps us anticipate common issues (for example, the prevalence of penetrating damp in coastal towns or the lack of damp courses in older terraces) and address them effectively. We pride ourselves on a prompt response and reliable service for every client, wherever you are in the North East. When we say we cover the entire the North East, we mean it – from Newcastle, Durham, and Hartlepool, to Middlesbrough, Darlington, Alnwick, and all points between, Northern Remedials has you covered.

Other Services by Northern Remedials

In addition to damp proofing, Northern Remedials offers a comprehensive range of property preservation and repair services across the the North East. We are specialists not just in preventing and treating damp, but in strengthening and protecting all aspects of your building. Our other services include:

• Structural Repair: Inspection and repair of structural issues in buildings – reinforcing foundations, walls, and other load-bearing elements to ensure your property remains safe and sound.

• Basement Conversion: Transforming damp or unused basements into dry, habitable spaces. We provide full basement waterproofing (tanking) and fit-out services to create functional rooms below ground level.

• Masonry Repair: Restoration of brickwork, stonework, and render. We fix cracks in masonry, repoint deteriorated mortar joints, and repair spalling or damaged brick/stone to preserve your building’s exterior.

• Timber Preservation: Treatments for timber decay and infestation. We address issues like wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm in structural timber or flooring, and apply preservatives to protect wood for the long term.

• Rising Damp Treatments: Specialist treatment programs to eradicate rising damp (such as installing new chemical damp-proof courses and re-plastering with salt-resistant render). We ensure ground moisture will not penetrate your walls again.

• Epoxy Resin Floor Coatings: Application of durable epoxy resin coatings to floors for improved strength, chemical resistance, and waterproofing. Ideal for industrial and commercial floors, garages, and workshops that require a hard-wearing surface.

• Concrete Repairs: Repair and rehabilitation of damaged concrete structures and surfaces. We fix cracked or spalling concrete, use corrosion inhibitors and repair mortars, and restore structural integrity to concrete beams, columns, floors, or balconies.

• Helical Repairs: Structural crack stitching and reinforcement using helical bars and specialized grouts. This technique ties cracked masonry back together and adds strength, solving issues like fractured brick walls or failed lintels without major reconstruction.

• Failed Concrete Floors: Solutions for uneven, cracked, or failed concrete flooring. We can repair floor slabs, inject resins to stabilize voids, and resurface floors to eliminate trip hazards and restore a level, solid surface.

• Underground Waterproofing: Waterproofing systems for below-ground structures such as cellars, retaining walls, and lift pits. We install tanking membranes, cavity drainage systems, and sump pumps to keep underground areas dry even under hydrostatic pressure.

• Waterproofing Under Pressure: Advanced techniques to stop active water ingress, even when water pressure is present. For example, we use high-pressure injection of specialist resins that can seal leaks in basement walls or concrete structures where water is forcing its way in.

• Liquid Applied Plastics (Roofs & Gutters): Application of liquid waterproofing membranes to roofs, gutters, and balconies. These liquid plastics cure to form a seamless, durable waterproof layer, ideal for repairing leaky flat roofs, sealing gutter joints, and protecting surfaces with complex shapes where sheet materials aren’t feasible.

As you can see, Northern Remedials is equipped to handle a wide array of building repair and preservation needs. Whether it’s damp proofing or any of the above services, our approach is always professional, and our workmanship is of the highest standard. We take pride in being a one-stop solution for property owners who require reliable remedial works in the North East.

Contact Northern Remedials today to arrange your damp survey or to discuss any of our services. Let us help protect and enhance your property with our expert damp proofing and remedial solutions. With our experience and dedication, you can trust us to keep your North East home or business dry, safe, and structurally sound for years to come.